Our First Lady and Executive Pastor
Rev. Dr. Debbie Ardella Strickling-Bullock
Rev. Dr. Deborrah Ardella Strickling-Bullock, affectionately known as "Dr. Debbie," is a licensed and ordained Christian minister endowed with exceptional gifts for ministry and service. A dedicated servant leader within the Baptist church for over 50 years and a baptized believer since age 12, Dr. Debbie is passionate about fostering an environment that nurtures personal and spiritual growth. Her ministry is rooted in preaching the gospel, inspiring transformation, and winning souls for Christ with steadfast dedication.
Dr. Debbie graduated summa cum laude, earning a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, the faculty honored her with the distinguished Ella P. Mitchell Preaching Award for excellence in homiletics and Christian education. In addition, she holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master's in Human Resources Management from Wilmington University, as well as a Bachelor's in Business Administration from San Francisco State University. Dr. Debbie is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources by the Human Resource Certification Institute and as a Career Development Facilitator and Instructor by the Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
With over 35 years of professional experience, Dr. Debbie has held key leadership roles at Citicorp/Citibank, Xerox Corporation, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Lincoln University. Her academic contributions include researching career advancement strategies for African American women and succession planning for faith-based organizations. Dr. Debbie has taught in the Doctoral Studies program at Wilmington University, served as a guest lecturer in the School of Education at Delaware State University, and was a member of the Professional Standards Board for Licensing and Certification at the Delaware Department of Education. Her expertise has been featured on national platforms through workshops with the Society for Human Resource Management, the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., and the International Association of Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows, Inc.
Dr. Debbie has also traveled extensively across the United States and internationally to preach the gospel. During her time in Ghana, West Africa, she was honored with the Akan name Yaa Dufie, meaning "caring and humility," by the Chief of the Adanwamsi Traditional Council. Dr. Debbie is a prolific author, having penned two books, "It's All Good: When Lessons Lead to Blessings" and "It's All Good: Every Round Goes Higher." In her multifaceted role, she currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Canaan Baptist Church of Delaware, the Board Chairwoman of the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., a Flight Attendant for American Airlines, an advocate for Baptist women in ministry, a fit expert certified by Wacoal, and the coordinator for the Hartley-Strickling and Dew-Kelley Family Reunion.
Dr. Debbie was born and raised in San Francisco, California, to Rev. James Abram Strickling, Sr., D.D. (deceased) of Marianna, Arkansas, and Annie Ruth Hartley-Strickling of Gallman/Crystal Springs, Mississippi, and she is the youngest of 11 siblings. Dr. Debbie shares her life with her husband of over 37 years, Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock of Wichita, Kansas, Pastor of the Canaan Baptist Church of Delaware; their two sons, Benjamin Ellis (Anya) and Daniel Alan; and three grandchildren, Daniel Christopher, Isabella Joenelle, and Isaiah Benjamin. Dr. Debbie finds strength and guidance in her reliance on the Holy Spirit and the comforting words of Romans 8:28 (NIV): "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Each day, she endeavors to fulfill her purpose, preach the gospel in and out of season, watering the seeds planted so that God will give the increase and receive Glory for what He has done.
To reach Dr. Debbie, please send an e-mail to DrDebBullock@gmail.com.